Pliable mounting assembly for spectacle

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a viewing device, eye &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;glasses&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; or spectacles of such inexpensive construction that it lends itself to expendable use, as when fitted with orthogonally related polarized plastic lens elements, to enable 3-dimensional movie viewing. The lens elements are held in aligned and spaced relation by a compliant yet permanently deformable channel, which, in one form, is locally bent to define integral temples or ear pieces, which extend rearwardly of the general plane of orientation of the lens elements. A second and shorter length of what may be the same channel material is used as a bridge element, embracing corresponding other edges of the lens elements and also permanently and locally bent for comfortable support by the nose. The channel sidewalls are locally crimped at the bent localities to secure permanent assembly to the lens elements, and the channel section may be so devised that the indicated crimping is the inherent result of permanent bending.

United States Patent [1 1' Marks PLIABLE MOUNTING ASSEMBLY FOR SPECTACLE[76] Inventor: Mortimer Marks, 166-25 Cryders Ln., Whitestone, NY. 11357[22] Filed: Mar. 30, 1971 I21] Appl. No.: 129,386

Primary Examiner-David Schonberg Assistant ExaminerPaul A. SacherAtt0rneyAlbert F. Kronman [451 Sept. 4, 1973 57 ABSTRACT lends itself toexpendable use, as when fitted with orthogonally related polarizedplastic lens elements, to enable 3-dimensional movie viewing. The lenselements are held in aligned and spaced relation by a compliant yetpermanently; deformable channel, which, in one form, is locally bent todefine integral temples or ear pieces, which extend rearwardly of thegeneral plane of orientation of the lens elements. A second and shorterlength of what may be the same channel material is used as a bridgeelement, embracing corresponding other edges of the lens elements andalso permanently and locally bent for comfortable support byethe nose.The channel sidewalls are locally crimped at the bent localities tosecurepermanent assembly to the lens elements, and the channel sectionmay be so devised that the indicated crimping is the inherent result ofpermanent bending.

21 Claims, 9 Drawing-Figures PLIABLE MOUNTING ASSEMBLY FOR SPECTACLE Theinvention relates to a viewer, eye glasses or spectacles, as for use inprotection of the eyes or for differential filtering action at the eyesas to achieve image-coordination for three-dimensional viewing ofcertain movie projections.

It is an object to provide an improved construction and method of thecharacter indicated.

Another object is to provide an inherently inexpensive and simplifiedconstruction and method, without sacrifice of viewing angle or wearingcomfort.

Specifically, it is an object to achieve the above objects with astructure in which the users comfort is optimally accommodated in asingle construction, for a wide range of head sizes and interocularspacings; and with light but positive temple pressure, negligible loadat nose engagement, wide-angle viewing, and minimum internal reflection.

Other objects and various further features of novelty and invention willbe pointed outor will occur to those skilled in the art from a readingof the following specification, in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings. In said drawings, which show, for illustrative purposes only,preferred forms of the invention:

' FIG. 1 is a view in perspective showing a viewer or spectacles of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a view in elevation of a lens element of the viewer of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are enlarged sectional views, at alignments 3-3 and 4-4 inFIG. 1, the scale of FIG. 3 being much greater than that of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are simplified views in elevation to illustrate amanufacturing step;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view to illustrate another manufacturing step;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken at the aspect 8-8 in FIG. 1; and v FIG.9 is a fragmentary exploded view in perspective to illustrate componentsof a modification.

Briefly stated, the invention contemplates an eyeglass construction inwhich lens elements are held in aligned and spaced relation by acompliant yet permanently deformable channel, which, in one form, islocally bent to define integral temples or eat pieces, which extendrearwardly of thegeneral plane of orientation of the lens elements. Asecond and shorter length of what may be the same channel material isused as a bridge element, embracing corresponding other edges of thelens elements and also permanently and locally bent for comfortablesupport by the nose. The channel sidewalls are locally crimped at thebent localities to secure permanent assembly to the lens elements, andthe channel section may be so devised that the indicated crimping is theinherent result of permanent bending.

In FIG. 1, the invention is shown in application to a viewer orspectacles construction of four parts, namely, a combined tie bar andtemples A, two lens elements B C, and a bridge element D. The lenselements B C may be of the same or similar materials, as for examplecuttings from transparentsheet which has opticalfiltering properties, asmay be provided by a lightpolarizing coating or lamination. Foranti-glare use, the cuttings (which may be die-cuttings) for elements BC are on the same polarized orientation; for three- 2 dimensional movieviewing, the cuttings are such that polarization at B is substantiallyorthogonally related to that at C.

The planiforms of the lens elements B C are symmetrical, about a centralvertical axis of symmetry. Antiv the detailed layout in FIG. 2 for thecase of lens element C is typical. Essentially, each lens element is ofsubstantially uniform thickness, at least along a top edge 10 and alonga bridge-engaging edge 11, which is shown at an acute angle to edge 10,such that when lens elements B C are in their ultimately assembledpositions, their respective bridge-engaging edges 11 are opdirection ofthe channel, said material being permanently deformably yieldable forbending deflections (e.g., crimping) beyond the region of limitedcompliant deformation. Thus, the combined bar element A is cut to lengthtoaccommodate both the temples or earpieces 13-14 and the centrallens-spanning portion 15, and the portion 15 is permanently crimped, atleast in part, at regions in which the spaced lens elements B C arereceived in the groove of the channel; the depth of such groovereception is indicated by dashed line 10' in FIG. 2. The primary bends16-17, from which temples 13-14 are referenced to the central portion15, are preferably adjacent the outer limits of channel-grooveengagement with the lens-element means B C.

In like manner, the channel groove at each of the ends 18-19 of anarched or bent second length of channel material embrace thebridge-engaging edges 11 of lens elements B C. Preferably, the thicknessof channel material matches the offset of notch abutment 12, forpleasing appearance as well as positive location in assembly. Again, apermanent crimping deformation of the channel, at least to a part ofeach of the lens elements B C, assures secure assembly, and the dashedline 11' in FIG. 2 illustrates depth of groove reception,

at the bridge arm 19.

In the presently preferred form in which I have been manufacturingaccording to the invention, the channel material comprises ametal-channel core 20, to which inner and outer coatings 21-22 ofsuitable plastic, such as cellulose acetate butyrate, have been appliedas shown in FIG. 3. The basic channel shape, in unstressed condition, ischaracterized by side walls which converge at their ends 23-24 toan'extent less than the maximum internal span A-betwee'n the sidewalls,and any spacing at ends 23-24 (in the unstressed condition) is at leastno greater than the edge thickness of a lens element. Specifically, inconjunction with a lensmaterial thickness of 0.030 inch, l have hadhighly satisfactory results employing aluminum of 0.005-inch thicknessat core 20. To this, a 0.020-inch thickness of plastic has been appliedby extrusion directly onto core 20, at both inner and outer coatings21-22. .This has involved a channel side-wall and bottom thickness of0.045 inch, while the overall finished-channel height has been 0.175inch, and the maximum internal span A has been in the order of 0.055 to0.065 inch.

In manufacture, the second length of channel material, used to formbridge element D, is precut to a length L which is at least more thanthe ultimate span S, between lens elements B C. The straight channel,thus cut, is identified D in FIG. 5. The convergent ends 23-24 of thechannel sidewalls are compliantly spread (i.e., without permanentdeformation) to permit edgewise insertion of an edge 11 (of one of thelens elements B C) to each longitudinal end of the length D, insertionbeing complete upon end abutment at 11; FIG. 4 illustrates the nature ofthe engagement upon such insertion, illustrative of the section 4 4 inFIG. 5. The thus-assembled three parts B C D have the appearance shownin FIG. 5, where it will be appreciated that the channel groove facesupwardly. Permanent deformation is then induced to form the central archor bend in the channel, between lens elements. As shown, a suitablycontoured fixed tool element 25 forms a reference for such bending, tothe shape depicted in FIG. 6, wherein the top edges of elements B C arein general alignment. In the course of such bending, the convergent ends23-24, being spaced less than the span A, will have been drawn into evenmore tight convergence, with permanent crimping or pinching action on atleast adjacent local parts of lens elements B C; the pinched andcontacting side-wall ends 23-24 of FIG. 3 are illustrative of thesection at 3' 3 in FIG. 6, after making the arched bend of channel D.Since the deformation is permanent, the shape and relation of FIG. 6 areretained.

Next, the longer cut length of channel material is spread to permit edgewise insertion and sliding, along edges 10, for assembly of elements B Cto the groove of the channel. The thus-cut channel is shown at A in FIG.7, wherein the subassembly of FIG. 6 has been assembled symmetricallywith respect to the center of length A.

FIG. 7 also schematically indicates a tool orjig 26 for next bending thelength A to the shape and configuration of element A in FIG. 1. Jig 26is shown to comprise a base 27 with two suitably rounded and fixedparallel posts 28-29 rising therefrom. To accomplish the bends 16-17,the lens elements-B Care vertically oriented and centrally positionedbetween posts 28-29, as shown, and then the projecting free ends ofchannel length A are bent in the direction of the arrows 30, preferablyuntil substantially a right-angle bend has been achieved at eachlocation; such bending may be manually accomplished whilefinger-pinching the abutment of the channel A to posts 28-29 or,alternatively, suitably hinged and actuated forming elements (not shown)may serve an equivalent function and form part of a more complex jigstructure 26, as will be understood.

Having thus formed the bends 16-17, I prefer to produce additionalpermanent bends l6 17 at equal, but only slightly rearwardly, offsetlocations. The same jig 26 may serve this purpose by selecting a plate(not shown), oflength to permit tangent abutment with both posts 28-29and of length at least no greater than the maximum spacing 5,, betweenover-all limits of posts 28-29; such plate should have thickness inaccordance with the desired offset location of bends 16' 17 so that,when the plate is interposed between the lens elements B C and posts28-29 (with the channel ends outside posts 28-29), finger pressure mayachieve the desired further bends l6 17' using the posts 28-29 forbending reference. Thus bent, the arms, ear pieces or temples 13-14 areintegral and converge, in the direction away from the lens elements. Ifdesired, posts 28-29 may be used as references for even further bendingas at 13 14, for better engagement with the head of the viewer.

It will be appreciated that in the course of effecting the permanentbends 16-17, the channel side-wall ends 23-24 are brought into apermanent, furtherconvergent relation, in which adjacent local parts ofboth lens elements B C are tightly compressed, for secure retention ofthe assembly. This relation is shown in FIG. 8, for the case of the bend16, wherein side-wall ends 23-24 develop the permanent crimp action at31 on lens element B.

FIG. 9 shows a modification wherein the side-wall ends 23-24 of channelA are sized and poised to embrace a thickened edge portion 35 of a lenselement B. The effective thickening at 35 is in relation to thethickness T of adjacent lens material; in the form shown, two likegrooves 36-36 on opposite sides of the lens material, and offset fromand parallel to the straight edge 35 as to the extent for line 10"withrespect to edge 10 in FIG. 2), provide this result, for lens materialwhich may otherwise be of uniform thickness. Grooves 36-36' may bepress-formed into the plastic lens material by forming-roll or othertechniques, referenced to edge 35, aswill be understood. A securelylocated hold is thus assured, for the full length of channel overlapwith both lens elements B C, and permanent crimping, adjacent bends16-17 and adjacent the bend of bridge member D, are as previouslydescribed. I

It will be seen that I have described structure and 'a method ofassembly which meet all stated objects and which at the same timepresents a pleasant appearance. Glazing of lens elements is automatic,as a result of channel insertion, and full-view vision is achieved byavoiding rims, which-are dark and annoying, especially for theatreviewing. The lens elements are securely clamped by the binding action ofthe channel, achieved in the course of permanent bending deformation.Hinges have been eliminated but may be used, if desired, as by insertingflexible strips to act as hinges, at or adjacent to the permanentlycrimped regions of channel A.

In use, it has been found particularly desirable to procure channelmaterial which has been wound on relatively large-diameter drums, e.g.,12 to 24-inch diameter, and with the I-I-elongation axis (see FIG. 3) ofthe channel section parallel to the drum axis, i.e., with the channelopening facing in one axial direction of the drum axis. In this case,the channel material removed from the drum is gently arched, as shownfor the cut length A in FIG. 7. This arched character desirably remains,after bending at 16-17 to produce convergent arcs for temples 13-14, andto produce an outwardly facing convex bow in the lens-retaining span 15.The bow at 15 will impart similar bow to the lens elements B C,resulting in minimized reflection via the concave lens surfaces adjacentthe eyes.

While the invention has been described in detail for the preferred formsshown, it will be understood that modifications may be made withoutdeparture from the invention. For example, the nose bridge D and/or thechannel A may be bent to final position before assembly to the lenselements B C, relying upon side-wall spreading and compliant action ofthe channel sideor by dipping the cut end into a heated fusiblematerial,-

such as a thermoplastic, sealing wax, or the like. On

cooling, the latter technique automatically forms a bead or roundedknob, as suggested at the rounded ends of ear temples in FIG. 1,effectively eliminating any sharp edge.

What is claimed is:

1. A spectacles construction, comprising an elongated channel ofrelatively stiff material selected for limited compliant deformabilitytransverse to the elongation direction of said channel, said materialbeing permanently deformably yieldable for bending deflections beyondthe region of limited compliant deformability, optical-viewing lensmeans having an elongated-edge portion received in a central part of thelength of said channel and overlapped on both sides by the respectivesidewalls of the channel, whereby nonoverlapped portions of said channelextend longitudinally beyond both ends of the region of overlap of saidedge portion, said channel being permanently bent in both non-overlappedportions adjacent the ends of said region of overlap and in the samegeneral direction away from the general plane of orientation of saidlens means, whereby the channel side walls in the bent nonoverlappedportions are drawn together in permanently deformed enhanced retentionof both ends of said edge of said lens means. v

2. A construction according to claim 1, in which the non-overlappedportions project substantially equal distances beyond the bent portionsand converge toward their ends, thus defining ear pieces which arespread against compliant resilient loading when worn for viewing.

3. A construction according to claim 1, in which said lens meanscomprises sheet material having said edge.

4. A construction according to claim 3, in which said sheet material isa transparent light-filtering plastic.

5. A construction according to claim 4, in which said sheet material ischaracterized along said edge with a section thickness greater than thatby which it is connected to the remainder of said lens means, saidgreater thickness being substantially wholly received in said channel,whereby the crimping of side walls inherent in the permanent bendingdeformation causes the side walls to envelop the greater-thicknessregion at least near said bends. I v

6. A construction according to, claim 5, in which said greater-thicknessedge is defined by an elongated sur-' face groove parallel to said edgeand formed in other: wise uniform-thickness lens material, the ends ofthe channel side walls substantially registering with the said groove. I

7. A construction according to claim 5, in which the channel is one oftwo registering channels each formed on an opposite side of said sheetmaterial.

8. A construction according to claim 1, in which said channel is ofgenerally rounded U-shape, the outer ends of the side walls of thechannel being converged toward each other to an extent exceeding themaximum separation of said sidewalls, whereby the inserted edge vof saidlens means is engaged in compliantly preloaded compression by said sidewalls along the region of overlap.

9. A construction according to claim 8, in which said channel comprisesa U-shaped metal core, and a continuous coating of plastic material onboth the inside and the outside of said core.

10. A construction according to claim 1, in which said lens meanscomprises two lens elements of plastic sheet material, each elementhaving an edge received in said channel with the lens elements spaced toprovide normal binocular viewing through the respective elements.

11. A construction according to claim 10, in which said channel isgently arched along the part which receives said channel, said archbeing concave in the general direction in which said non-overlapped endsare bent.

12. A construction according to claim 10, in which said lens elementshave different optical-filtering characteristics.

13. A construction according to claim 12, in which said lens elementsare of light-polarizing character.

14. A construction according to claim 13, in which the polarizing axesof said lens elements are substantially orthogonally related. 7

15. A construction according to claim 13, in which the polarizing axesof said lens elements are of substantially the same orientation.

16. A construction according to claim 10, in which adjacent opposededges of said lens elements extend in divergent alignments in thedirection away from said channel, and a bridge element of said channelmaterial permanently bent into an inverted generally V-shape with thechannel side walls facing outwardly, said sidewalls overlapping thediverging edges of said lens elements at the respective arms of the V ofsaid bridge element, said bridge element side walls being incompressionally stressed crimping engagement with at least a portion ofeach lens element.

17. A construction according to claim 16, in which said divergentadjacent opposed edges are each defined by a local recess whichterminates short of the lower limit of the lens element, therebydefining a stop, the opposed ends of said bridge element being locatedatthe respective stops of said lens elements.

18. A spectacles construction, comprising a first elongated channel ofpermanently deformable material, two lens elements of sheet plasticmaterial each having an edge received in a different one of twosuccessive lengths of said channel and in the central region of saidchannel, said channel being locally crimped to permanently converge theside walls against said lens elements adjacent at least the outer limitsof the total span of channel .overlap with said lens elements, wherebyear-piece members may be formed from the permanently deformed regions ofsaid channel, and a bridge element comprising second channel of saidmaterial and having spaced ends with side walls embracing correspondingother edges of said lens elements and locally crimped to permanentlyengage the side walls thereof against said lens elements adjacent atleast that part of said bridge element which extends between said lenselements.

19. A construction according to claim 18, in which said ear-piecemembers are integral ends of said first channel and said locally crimpeddeformation thereof is at rearwardly directed permanently deformedearpiece-definingbends.

20. The construction of claim 19, in which said channel material is ofplastic-coated metal cut from elongated length to produce said first andsecond channels, and a coating of fusible material over the cut ends ofsaid first channel.

21. A mounted optical element, comprising an elongated channel ofrelatively stiff material selected for limited compliant deformabilitytransverse to the elongation of the channel, said material beingpermanently deformably yieldable for bending deflections beyond theregion of limited compliant deformability, opticalviewing lens meanshaving an elongated-edge portion received in a part of the length ofsaid channel and overlapped on both sides by the respective side wallsof the channel, whereby a non-overlapped portion of said channel extendslongitudinally beyond the region of overlap of said edge portion, saidnon-overlapped portion being permanently bent in the region of adjacencyto the overlapped portion and about an axis transverse to the elongationof the channel, whereby the channel side walls in the bentnon-overlapped portion are drawn together in permanent deformation forenhanced retention of said lens means.

I. I l t

1. A spectacles construction, comprising an elongated channel ofrelatively stiff material selected for limited compliant deformabilitytransverse to the elongation direction of said channel, said materialbeing permanently deformably yieldable for bending deflections beyondthe region of limited compliant deformability, optical-viewing lensmeans having an elongatededge portion received in a central part of thelength of said channel and overlapped on both sides by the respectivesidewalls of the channel, whereby non-overlapped portions of saidchannel extend longitudinally beyond both ends of the region of overlapof said edge portion, said channel being permanently bent in bothnon-overlapped portions adjacent the ends of said region of overlap andin the same general direction away from the general plane of orientationof said lens means, whereby the channel side walls in the bentnon-overlapped portions are drawn together in permanently deformedenhanced retention of both ends of said edge of said lens means.
 2. Aconstruction according to claim 1, in which the non-overlapped portionsproject substantially equal distances beyond the bent portions andconverge toward their ends, thus defining ear pieces which are spreadagainst compliant resilient loading when worn for viewing.
 3. Aconstruction according to claim 1, in which said lens means comprisessheet material having said edge.
 4. A construction according to claim 3,in which said sheet material is a transparent light-filtering plastic.5. A construction according to claim 4, in which said sheet material ischaracterized along said edge with a section thickness greater than thatby which it is connected to the remainder of said lens means, saidgreater thickness being substantially wholly received in said channel,whereby the crimping of side walls inherent in the permanent bendingdeformation causes the side walls to envelop the greater-thicknessregion at least near said bends.
 6. A construction according to claim 5,in which said greater-thickness edge is defined by an elongated surfacegroove parallel to said edge and formed in otherwise uniform-thicknesslens material, the ends of the channel side walls substantiallyregistering with the said groove.
 7. A construction according to claim5, in which the channel is one of two registering channels each formedon an opposite side of said sheet material.
 8. A construction accordingto claim 1, in which said channel is of generally rounded U-shape, theouter ends of the side walls of the channel being converged toward eachother to an extent exceeding the maximum separation of said sidewalls,whereby the inserted edge of said lens means is engaged in compliantlypreloaded compression by said side walls along the region of overlap. 9.A construction according to claim 8, in which said channel comprises aU-shaped metal core, and a continuous coating of plastic material onboth the inside and the outside of said core.
 10. A constructionaccording to claim 1, in which said lens means comprises two lenselements of plastic sheet material, each element having an edge receivedin said channel with the lens elements spaced to provide normalbinocular viewing through the respective elements.
 11. A constructionaccording to claim 10, in which said channel is gently arched along thepart which receives said channel, said arch being concave in the generaldirection in which said non-overlapped ends are bent.
 12. A constructionaccording to claim 10, in which said lens elements have differentoptical-filtering characteristics.
 13. A construction according to clAim12, in which said lens elements are of light-polarizing character.
 14. Aconstruction according to claim 13, in which the polarizing axes of saidlens elements are substantially orthogonally related.
 15. A constructionaccording to claim 13, in which the polarizing axes of said lenselements are of substantially the same orientation.
 16. A constructionaccording to claim 10, in which adjacent opposed edges of said lenselements extend in divergent alignments in the direction away from saidchannel, and a bridge element of said channel material permanently bentinto an inverted generally V-shape with the channel side walls facingoutwardly, said sidewalls overlapping the diverging edges of said lenselements at the respective arms of the V of said bridge element, saidbridge element side walls being in compressionally stressed crimpingengagement with at least a portion of each lens element.
 17. Aconstruction according to claim 16, in which said divergent adjacentopposed edges are each defined by a local recess which terminates shortof the lower limit of the lens element, thereby defining a stop, theopposed ends of said bridge element being located at the respectivestops of said lens elements.
 18. A spectacles construction, comprising afirst elongated channel of permanently deformable material, two lenselements of sheet plastic material each having an edge received in adifferent one of two successive lengths of said channel and in thecentral region of said channel, said channel being locally crimped topermanently converge the side walls against said lens elements adjacentat least the outer limits of the total span of channel overlap with saidlens elements, whereby ear-piece members may be formed from thepermanently deformed regions of said channel, and a bridge elementcomprising second channel of said material and having spaced ends withside walls embracing corresponding other edges of said lens elements andlocally crimped to permanently engage the side walls thereof againstsaid lens elements adjacent at least that part of said bridge elementwhich extends between said lens elements.
 19. A construction accordingto claim 18, in which said ear-piece members are integral ends of saidfirst channel and said locally crimped deformation thereof is atrearwardly directed permanently deformed ear-piece-defining bends. 20.The construction of claim 19, in which said channel material is ofplastic-coated metal cut from elongated length to produce said first andsecond channels, and a coating of fusible material over the cut ends ofsaid first channel.
 21. A mounted optical element, comprising anelongated channel of relatively stiff material selected for limitedcompliant deformability transverse to the elongation of the channel,said material being permanently deformably yieldable for bendingdeflections beyond the region of limited compliant deformability,optical-viewing lens means having an elongated-edge portion received ina part of the length of said channel and overlapped on both sides by therespective side walls of the channel, whereby a non-overlapped portionof said channel extends longitudinally beyond the region of overlap ofsaid edge portion, said non-overlapped portion being permanently bent inthe region of adjacency to the overlapped portion and about an axistransverse to the elongation of the channel, whereby the channel sidewalls in the bent non-overlapped portion are drawn together in permanentdeformation for enhanced retention of said lens means.